Amman – Shabab Al-Jordan footballer Salem Al-Ajalin confirmed that the current football season will be his last on the field, announcing plans to officially retire at the end of the season after a long career marked by numerous milestones and achievements with clubs and the national team.
اضافة اعلان
Speaking to Al Ghad, Al-Ajalin said he made the decision after careful consideration, adding that he is satisfied with his career and what he has accomplished over the years, particularly with Al-Faisaly and the national team. He noted that he plans to move into coaching and has already begun preparing for the next stage by taking coaching courses.
Al-Ajalin said the current season represents the final chapter of his playing career, adding that he looks back with great pride on his years in football, the titles and achievements he secured, and the memorable moments he experienced with the clubs he represented and the national team.
He said he is not currently considering a traditional testimonial match, but may instead organize a tribute event featuring a friendly match with several teammates who accompanied him throughout his career, provided suitable circumstances are available.
Al-Ajalin also reflected on his lengthy spell with Al-Faisaly, which lasted around 11 seasons, describing it as one of the finest periods of his career because of the titles, achievements and strong relationship he developed with the club's supporters.
He said his relationship with Al-Faisaly fans remains strong to this day, expressing gratitude for the moments he experienced wearing the team's shirt and the memories he created with his teammates and coaching and administrative staff, as well as for the tremendous support he received from the club's supporters.
Al-Ajalin said his time with Al-Faisaly was rich in achievements, contributing to a number of titles and helping the team reach the final of the Arab Club Championship, a milestone he considers particularly significant in his career with the “Blue.”
He added that his many years with Al-Faisaly became an important part of his sporting life and that he will continue to cherish the memories and relationships he built with the club, its supporters and his teammates.
Regarding the national team, Al-Ajalin said wearing the “Nashama” shirt was one of the most important milestones of his career, expressing pride in representing Jordan in numerous competitions and tournaments.
He highlighted reaching the 2023 Asian Cup final as one of the national team's most notable achievements in recent years, saying the campaign will remain in his memory and in the memories of everyone who was part of that generation that achieved a historic milestone for Jordanian football.
He also said he was part of several national team camps during the World Cup qualifying campaign and contributed to Jordan's journey toward qualification for the finals. He described reaching the World Cup as a major achievement for Jordanian football and one of the milestones he is proud to have been part of.
Al-Ajalin also recalled the coaches who had the greatest influence on his career, saying the late Rateb Al-Awadhat was the coach who had the strongest impact on him. He described Al-Awadhat as a coach with a distinctive personality and a strong ability to raise players' morale and motivate them both on and off the field.
Al-Ajalin said Al-Awadhat was not merely a coach to the players, but was “like a brother, friend and father to everyone.” He added that the team drew its spirit, enthusiasm and morale from him, while he always made a point of standing by and supporting the players in different circumstances.
He said his memories of working with Al-Awadhat would remain with him, noting that his human qualities and close relationship with the players earned him a special place among everyone who worked with him. His influence, Al-Ajalin added, extended beyond technical matters to the psychological and motivational aspects of the game, making him one of the most prominent coaches to leave a lasting mark on his career.
Al-Ajalin said he intends to remain involved in football after retirement rather than step away from the sport. He believes his extensive experience as a player will help him in his future coaching career and said he plans to continue developing himself and obtaining additional coaching qualifications and experience before beginning his new chapter.
Al-Ajalin, 37, began his football career with Al-Jazeera before playing for several local clubs, including Manshiyat Bani Hassan and Al-Ahli, before joining Al-Faisaly, where he spent around 11 seasons and won approximately 13 titles across various competitions, including the Professional League, Jordan Cup, Jordan Football Association Shield and Jordan Super Cup.
He also joined the Jordan senior national team in 2009 and delivered a number of notable performances during his international career, appearing in several competitions and matches before continuing his club career with Shabab Al-Jordan, which he joined recently.
With his playing career coming to an end, Al-Ajalin is preparing to begin a new chapter in football through coaching. He confirmed that he has already started taking coaching courses and has made significant progress in preparing for the transition.
Source: Al Ghad
